Fans of The Big Lebowski are mourning the tragic death of Jack Kehler, after it was announced on Tuesday that the actor had passed away at age 75 from complications amid a battle with leukemia.
Kehler’s son Eddie Kehler confirmed his sad passing to Deadline, revealing that he died at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The actor famously starred as The Dude’s landlord Marty in the 1998 cult classic The Big Lebowski. But what has he been up to over the last two decades since the black comedy crime film premiered?
In the wake of his death, FEMAIL has uncovered what he – and the rest of his costars – have accomplished since The Big Lebowski hit theaters all those years ago.
It turns out, the cast was plagued with controversy – from one member being stabbed multiple times after getting involved in a bar fight to another passing away from a drug overdose.
In the wake of Jack Kehler’s death, FEMAIL has uncovered what he – and the rest of his costars – have been up to since The Big Lebowski hit theaters 24 years ago
It turns out, the cast (pictured together at a reunion in 2011) was plagued with controversy – from one member being stabbed multiple times after getting involved in a bar fight to another passing away from a drug overdose
Written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, the beloved movie starred Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
It followed a Los Angeles-based slacker named Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski who got attacked after he was mistaken for a millionaire who was also named Jeffrey Lebowski.
After its release in 1998, the film quickly became a fan favorite, and it went on to gross $46.7 million worldwide.
Now – 24 years later – FEMAIL has revealed what the entire cast is doing. From run-ins with the law to multiple marriages and divorces, here’s everything the stars from The Big Lebowski have been up to since they starred in the movie.
Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski played by Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges played Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski in The Big Lebowski. He is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2019 (right)
Bridges (pictured in The Big Lebowski) was born on December 4, 1949, in Los Angeles, California. He was involved in acting from a young age, landing his first role at one years old
His first major on-screen role was in the 1971 movie The Last Picture Show, for which he earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He is pictured in The Big Lebowski
Bridges, 72, was born on December 4, 1949, in Los Angeles, California. He was involved in acting from a young age, and when he was just one years old, he starred in the drama The Company She Keeps alongside Lizabeth Scott, Jane Greer, and Dennis O’Keefe.
Throughout his youth, he made various appearances in movies and TV shows like Sea Hunt, The Lloyd Bridges Show, Lassie, and In Search of America.
Before landing the role as Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski in The Big Lebowski, he acted in a slew of movies and TV shows including Bad Company (pictured), Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, the first remake of King Kong, sci-fi flick Tron, 1982 romcom Kiss Me Goodbye, and Against All Odds in 1984
Both of his parents were famous actors themselves, and after graduating from high school in 1967, he joined his father in the stage production of Anniversary Waltz at age 17.
He then moved to New York City, where he studied acting at the Herbert Berghof Studio. He also served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve from 1967 to 1975.
His first major on-screen role was in the 1971 movie The Last Picture Show, for which he earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Before landing the role as Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski in The Big Lebowski, he also acted in the boxing movie Fat City, a movie about NASCAR driver Junior Johnson called The Last American Hero, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (which also starred Clint Eastwood), the first remake of King Kong opposite Jessica Lange, sci-fi flick Tron, 1982 romcom Kiss Me Goodbye, alien movie Starman, Against All Odds in 1984, crime drama Jagged Edge, and Blown Away (alongside Tommy Lee Jones, Forest Whitaker, and Lloyd Bridges).
And after starring in The Big Lebowski, he didn’t slow down. He went on to star in The Contender, which earned him his fourth Oscar nomination, the 2005 flick Tideland, Marvel’s Iron Man, True Grit (which also starred Matt Damon and Josh Brolin), crime movie Hell or High Water, and Crazy Heart – for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2010, as well as the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.
At the same time, Bridges also launched a major music career – releasing his debut album, Be Here Soon, on January 1, 2000.
His second LP, entitled Jeff Bridges, dropped on August 16, 2011. He then released a spoken-word album, called Sleeping Tapes, in 2015.
And after starring in The Big Lebowski, he didn’t slow down. He went on to star in The Contender, Marvel’s Iron Man, True Grit, Hell or High Water, and Men Who Stare At Goats (pictured right with costar George Clooney)
As for his love life, he married a woman named Susan Greston in 1977, whom he met while he was working on the movie Rancho Deluxe. They are pictured together in 2018
The welcomed three daughters together over the years, named Isabelle Annie (not pictured), born in 1981, Jessica Lily (second from left), born in 1983, and Haley Roselouise (left), born in 1985
In 2013, he also published a book called The Dude and the Zen Master, which he wrote with Bernie Glassman.
He also has an interest in photography, and has released two book of his photos in 2003 and 2019.
Over the years, he also narrated numerous documentaries for Nation Geographic and lent his voice to many commercials for brands like Hyundai and Durcacell.
As for his love life, he married a woman named Susan Greston in 1977, whom he met while he was working on the movie Rancho Deluxe; she worked as a waitress on the ranch that they were filming at.
The welcomed three daughters together over the years, named Isabelle Annie, born in 1981, Jessica Lily, born in 1983, and Haley Roselouise, born in 1985. They also have one granddaughter from Isabelle.
In 2020, the actor announced that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma and was being treated with chemotherapy. As of September 2021, it was in remission.
Walter Sobchak played by John Goodman
John Goodman played Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski. He is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2021 (right)
Goodman hails from Affton, Missouri, and was born on June 20, 1952. He is pictured (center) in The Big Lebowski
Goodman, 69, hails from Affton, Missouri, and was born on June 20, 1952. He didn’t have the easiest childhood, as his father died of a heart attack when he was only two years old.
After starring as Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski (pictured), he continued to act, appearing in O Brother, Where Art Thou? in 2000, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, 2012’s Flight, George Clooney’s The Monuments Men, and Argo
He graduated from Missouri State University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, where he played football.
But after a knee injury ended his budding sports career, he decided to pursue acting instead, and moved to New York City after school.
He began receiving jobs doing various voice-overs and commercials, and starring in off-Broadway plays.
In 1982, he made his film debut in the movie Eddie Macon’s Run – a thriller based on a novel of the same name.
He then acted in the flick True Stories, before landing the role as Dan Conner in ABC’s Roseanne – which propelled him into the spotlight.
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, he starred in Raising Arizona, psychological thriller Barton Fink, Steven Spielberg’s Always (alongside Richard Dreyfuss), Arachnophobia opposite Jeff Daniels, and The Flinstones in 1994.
After starring as Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski, he continued to act, appearing in O Brother, Where Art Thou? in 2000, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (which earned him an Emmy award in 2007), the black comedy musical Inside Llewyn Davis, the drama series Treme, action film The Artist, Red State (which also starred Michael Parks), 2012’s Flight, George Clooney’s The Monuments Men, and Argo (which was directed by Ben Affleck).
He also voiced Robot Santa in Futurama, Pacha in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, Sulley in Pixar’s Monsters, Inc and Monsters University, and ‘Big Daddy’ La Bouff in The Princess and the Frog.
He also voiced Robot Santa in Futurama, Pacha in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, and Sulley in Pixar’s Monsters, Inc and Monsters University. He is pictured in Pretty in Black in 1992 (left) and The Righteous Gemstones in 2019 (right)
He married Annabeth Hartzog in 1989 after they met at a Halloween party. Together, they share one daughter, named Molly Evangeline, born in 1990, who now works as a production assistant in the film industry. The family is pictured in 2017
He has also returned to the stage over the years, playing the Ghost of Christmas Present in the 2008 production of A Christmas Carol, Pozzo in the revival of Waiting for Godot, Donny in the West End’s American Buffalo, and Sheriff Hartman in the 2016 Broadway play The Front Page.
He married Annabeth Hartzog in 1989 after they met at a Halloween party. Together, they share one daughter, named Molly Evangeline, born in 1990, who now works as a production assistant in the film industry.
He has previously opened up about his struggles with alcoholism – but he has been sober since 2007 and often attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Maude Lebowski played by Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore played Maude Lebowski in The Big Lebowski. She is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2022 (right)
Moore was born on December 3, 1960, in North Carolina. Her first on-screen role was in 1985, when she appeared in one episode of the soap opera The Edge of Night. She is pictured with Bridges in The Big Lebowski
Afterwards, she also starred in Far From Heaven (for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars), Evolution (pictured), and The Hours with Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep
Moore, 61, was born on December 3, 1960, in North Carolina. As a child, she appeared in several school plays, and was encouraged by her English teacher to pursue acting.
Her other credits include The End of the Affair (alongside Ralph Fiennes), A Map of the World with Sigourney Weaver, phycological drama Magnolia, and horror movie Hannibal (pictured)
She graduated from Boston University with a BFA in Theatre in 1983. After finishing school, she moved to New York City, where she worked as a waitress.
Her first on-screen role was in 1985, when she appeared in one episode of the soap opera The Edge of Night.
She then starred in CBS’ As the World Turns, I’ll Take Manhattan, Money, Power, Murder, The Last to Go, Cast a Deadly Spell, 1992 psychological thriller The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, crime comedy The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag, Benny & Joon opposite Johnny Depp, The Fugitive with Harrison Ford, Vanya on 42nd Street in 1994, Chris Columbus’ Nine Months, Assassins (which also starred Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas), The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Boogie Nights (which earned her an Oscar nomination).
After that, she was cast as Maude Lebowski in The Big Lebowski.
Her other credits include The End of the Affair (alongside Ralph Fiennes), A Map of the World with Sigourney Weaver, phycological drama Magnolia, horror movie Hannibal, Far From Heaven (for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars), and The Hours with Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep.
Through the early 2000s, she continued to act, landing roles in Marie and Bruce with Matthew Broderick, Laws of Attraction opposite Pierce Brosnan, 2005 comedy Trust the Man, Samuel L. Jackson-led mystery Freddomland, sci-fi flick Next, I’m Not There (which was about Bob Dylan’s life), and erotic thriller Chloe, among others.
Her most recent roles include The Hours (pictured), Crazy, Stupid, Love, horror movie Carrie, the third instalment of The Hunger Games series, George Clooney’s Suburbicon, The Golden Circle, and the movie adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen
She was married twice – with her first husband being actor, producer, and director John Gould Rubin. They were married from 1986 to 1993. She then entered into a relationship with Bart Freundlich. She is pictured with Bart in 2022
Together they welcomed a son, named Caleb, in 1997, and a daughter, named Liv, in 2002. She is pictured with Bart and Liv in 2019
Her most recent roles include Crazy, Stupid, Love, HBO’s Game Change (which earned her a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, and a SAG Award), horror movie Carrie in 2013, action-packed Non-Stop, the third instalment of The Hunger Games series, George Clooney’s Suburbicon, The Golden Circle (alongisde Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Channing Tatum, and Halle Berry), and the movie adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen.
She starred in the Broadway play The Vertical Hour in 2006. Moore is also a respected children’s author, having penned eight books throughout her career.
She was married twice – with her first husband being actor, producer, and director John Gould Rubin. They were married from 1986 to 1993.
She then entered into a relationship with Bart Freundlich, and together they welcomed a son, named Caleb, in 1997, and a daughter, named Liv, in 2002.
They officially tied the knot in 2003, and they currently reside in Greenwich Village in Manhattan.
Donny Kerabatsos played by Steve Buscemi
Steve Buscemi played Donny Kerabatsos in The Big Lebowski. He is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2021 (right)
Buscemi was born on December 13, 1957 in Brooklyn, New York. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a firefighter from 1980 to 1984. He is pictured in the show 30 Rock
He made his acting debut in 1985, starring in the movie The Way It Is. He then starred in Miami Vice, horror flick Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, and sci-fi disaster film Armageddon (pictured)
Buscemi, 64, was born on December 13, 1957 in Brooklyn, New York. He briefly attended Nassau Community College before moving to Manhattan to enroll in the Lee Strasberg Institute.
After The Big Lebowski, he starred in Ghost World in 2001, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, The Sopranos (which earned him an Emmy nomination), and Fargo (pictured)
While living in New York, he worked as a firefighter from 1980 to 1984. And after the September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers, he helped search through rubble for missing firefighters.
He made his acting debut in 1985, starring in the movie The Way It Is. He then starred in the 1986 drama Parting Glances, Miami Vice, the comedy Slaves of New York, ensemble period film Bloodhounds of Broadway, Mystery Train in 1989, neo-noir gangster film Miller’s Crossing, horror flick Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, In the Soup, Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, Airheads (alongside Brendan Fraser and Adam Sandler), and sci-fi disaster film Armageddon.
He then appeared as Donny Kerabatsos is The Big Lebowski – but that was just the beginning for him.
After that, he starred in Ghost World in 2001, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over, The Sopranos (which earned him an Emmy nomination), HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, and Louis C.K.’s Horace and Pete.
He also voiced Randall in Monsters, Inc and Monsters University (opposite his Big Lebowski costar Goodman), Nebbercracker in Monster House, and Tempelton the Ray in Charlotte’s Web.
Buscemi also hosts, directs, and produces his own web talk show called Park Bench with Steve Buscemi.
The actor is also known for starring in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, Louis C.K.’s Horace and Pete, Lean on Pete (left), and Big Fish (right). He also voiced Randall in Monsters, Inc and Monsters University (opposite his Big Lebowski costar Goodman)
He married filmmaker Jo Andres in 1987, and they were together up until her death in 2019. They are pictured together in 2014
They have one son, named Lucian, who was born in 1990. The family is pictured in 2002
He has also directed a few feature films including Animal Factory in 2000, Lonesome Jim in 2005, and Interview in 2007.
In 2001, he was stabbed multiple times after he intervened in a bar fight between Vince Vaughn, Scott Rosenberg, and two local men while he was visiting Wilmington, North Carolina, to film the movie Domestic Disturbance.
In 2003, he had a run-in with the law when he was arrested, along with 19 other people, while protesting the closing of a number of firehouses in New York City, including the one he used to work at.
He married filmmaker Jo Andres in 1987, and they were together up until her death in 2019. They have one son, named Lucian, who was born in 1990.
Jeffrey ‘The Big’ Lebowski played by David Huddleston
David Huddleston played Jeffrey ‘The Big’ Lebowski in The Big Lebowski. He is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2011 (right)
David Huddleston was born on September 17, 1930, in Vinton, Virginia. Before starring as Jeffrey ‘The Big’ Lebowski in The Big Lebowski, he appeared in a bunch of western movies including Blazing Saddles (pictured)
After that, he had a recurring role as Albert ‘Gramps’ Arnold in The Wonder Years (pictured), and starred in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the political drama series The West Wing, and the thriller Locker 13
He was married twice, first to Caroline Ann Swart from 1968 to 1987 and then to Sarah C. Koeppe from 1999 until his death. He has one son. He sadly passed away from heart and kidney disease on August 2, 2016, at age 85. He is pictured in 1977
David Huddleston was born on September 17, 1930, in Vinton, Virginia. He briefly joined the United States Air Force before he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to study acting.
Before starring as Jeffrey ‘The Big’ Lebowski in The Big Lebowski, he appeared in Bewitched, Bonanza, medical drama series Medical Center, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, CBS’ Hawaii Five-O, Charlie’s Angels, 1985 Christmas flick Santa Claus: The Movie, western Blazing Saddles, and The Kalnsman in 1974.
After that, he had a recurring role as Albert ‘Gramps’ Arnold in The Wonder Years, and starred in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the political drama series The West Wing, and the thriller Locker 13.
He sadly passed away from heart and kidney disease on August 2, 2016, at age 85.
He was married twice, first to Caroline Ann Swart from 1968 to 1987 and then to Sarah C. Koeppe from 1999 until his death. He has one son, named Michael Huddleson, born in 1952.
Brandt played by Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman played Brandt in The Big Lebowski. He is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2014 (right)
Seymour Hoffman (pictured in The Big Lebowski) was born on July 23, 1967 in Fairport, New York. After graduating, he started working on off-Broadway shows, before he made his screen debut in 1991 in an episode of Law & Order
After that, he landed roles in the movie Leap of Faith, Al Pacino’s Scent of a Woman, crime comedy Money for Nothing, thriller The Getaway with Alec Baldwin, Meg Ryan’s When a Man Loves a Woman, and Twister in 1996 (pictured)
After portraying Brandt in The Big Lebowski, he starred in Flawless with Robert De Niro, drama Magnolia, The Talented Mr. Ripley (pictured), Almost Famous in 2000, Punch-Drunk Love, thriller Red Dragon, and 2003’s Owning Mahowny
Seymour Hoffman was born on July 23, 1967 in Fairport, New York. At the age of 17, he was selected to attend the 1984 New York State Summer School of the Arts in Saratoga Springs.
He also starred in drama Love Liza (pictured), civil war movie Cold Mountain, Along Came Polly, HBO miniseries Empire Falls, Mission: Impossible III with Tom Cruise, Moneyball in 2011, and three of the Hunger Games movies
He was then accepted to New York University’s (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts, where he received a drama degree in 1989.
After graduating, he started working on off-Broadway shows, before he made his screen debut in 1991 in an episode of Law & Order. He then starred in the independent film Triple Bogey on a Par Five Hole.
After that, he landed roles in the movie Leap of Faith (alongside Steve Martin), Al Pacino’s Scent of a Woman, crime comedy Money for Nothing (which also starred John Cusack), thriller The Getaway with Alec Baldwin, Meg Ryan’s When a Man Loves a Woman, and Twister in 1996.
After portraying Brandt in The Big Lebowski, he starred in Flawless with Robert De Niro, drama Magnolia, The Talented Mr. Ripley (alongside Matt Damon), Almost Famous in 2000, drama Love Liza, Punch-Drunk Love, thriller Red Dragon, 2003’s Owning Mahowny, civil war movie Cold Mountain, Along Came Polly, HBO miniseries Empire Falls, Mission: Impossible III with Tom Cruise, Moneyball in 2011, political drama The Ides of March, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part One and Part Two.
He also starred in the Broadway revival of True West in 2000, Long Day’s Journey into Night in 2003, and Death of a Salesman in 2012.
He kept his personal live relatively private, hardly ever doing interviews or speaking to the press.
For 14 years, he was in a relationship with costume designer Mimi O’Donnell, and together, they welcomed a son named Cooper in 2003 and two daughters named Will and Tallulah in 2008 and 2006.
For 14 years, he was in a relationship with costume designer Mimi O’Donnell, and together, they welcomed a son named Cooper in 2003 and two daughters named Will and Tallulah in 2008 and 2006. He is pictured with Cooper in 2013
He was found dead in his Manhattan apartment in February 2014, at age 46. His death was ruled an accident caused by ‘acute mixed drug intoxication, including heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and amphetamine.’ He is pictured in 2012
It was rumored that they had separated in 2013, but O’Donnell later claimed that this wasn’t true.
He later revealed that he struggled with substance abuse and had entered a drug rehabilitation program when he was 22, and remained sober for 23 years.
However, he relapsed in 2013 and admitted himself to a rehab for 10 days in May of that year.
He was found dead in his Manhattan apartment in February 2014, at age 46. Police found heroin and prescription medication at the scene and revealed he had a syringe in his arm at the time of his passing.
His death was ruled an accident caused by ‘acute mixed drug intoxication, including heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and amphetamine.’
Bunny Lebowski played by Tara Reid
Tara Reid played Bunny Lebowski in The Big Lebowski. She is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2021 (right)
Tara Reid was born and raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey, on November 8, 1975. She began acting at the age of six, and was a regular on the game show Child’s Play when she was young. She is pictured in The Big Lebowski
She then went on to star in Urban Legend, Cruel Intentions, 1999’s American Pie (pictured) and its sequel American Pie 2, musical comedy Josie and the Pussycats, NBC sitcom Scrubs, Van Wilder, and My Boss’ Daughter opposite Ashton Kutcher
Tara Reid, 46, was born and raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey, on November 8, 1975. She began acting at the age of six, and was a regular on the game show Child’s Play when she was young.
Throughout her childhood, she appeared in more than 100 commercials for brands like Jell-O, McDonald’s, and Crayola.
As a teen, she famously starred in Saved by the Bell: The New Class.
She moved to Hollywood in 1997, and landed the role as Bunny Lebowski in The Big Lebowski one year later.
She then went on to star in Urban Legend (alongside Jared Leto), Cruel Intentions (which also starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese Witherspoon), 1999’s American Pie and its sequel American Pie 2, musical comedy Josie and the Pussycats, NBC sitcom Scrubs, Van Wilder, My Boss’ Daughter opposite Ashton Kutcher, Alone in the Dark with Christian Slater, thriller The Fields, Sharknado in 2013, comedy spoof The Hungover Games, and TV series The Big Big Snow.
She hosted her own E! show called Taradise in 2005, in which she showcased luxurious vacation resorts and celebrity hot spots, but it was canceled after only one month on air.
She also acted in Alone in the Dark with Christian Slater, thriller The Fields, American Reunion (left), Sharknado in 2013 (right), comedy spoof The Hungover Games, and TV series The Big Big Snow
She has also opened her own fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, called Ketchup, and designed her own clothing line called Mantra with Christian Audigier in 2009. She is pictured in 2004
Reid (pictured in 2022) was linked to Carson Daily, entrepreneur Michael Axtmann, Danish businessman Michael Lillelund, Bulgarian financier Zachary Kehayov, Israeli musician Erez Eisen, and executive Ted Dhanik over the years
She participated in Celebrity Big Brother season eight. Reid has also modeled, appearing on the cover of several magazines like Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Maxim, Playboy, and Stuff.
She has also opened her own fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles, called Ketchup, and designed her own clothing line called Mantra with Christian Audigier in 2009.
In 2014, she dropped a swimwear line and a perfume, entitled Shark by Tara, which was inspired by the Sharknado movies.
She began dating TV host Carson Daily in 2000, and the two announced that they were engaged in October of that year. But in June 2001, they broke off the engagement.
She then started dating Michael Axtmann, an internet entrepreneur, and despite getting engaged in January 2010, they too ended their relationship before walking down the aisle.
After that, she was linked to Danish businessman Michael Lillelund, Bulgarian financier Zachary Kehayov, Israeli musician Erez Eisen, and executive Ted Dhanik.
The Stranger played by Sam Elliott
Sam Elliott played The Stranger in The Big Lewboski. He is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2015 (right)
Sam Elliott was born on August 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California. In 1969, he landed his first role in the show Judd for the Defense. He is pictured in The Big Lewboski
After appearing in The Big Lebowski as The Stranger, he went on to star in superhero movie Hulk, Thank You for Smoking, Ghost Rider, 2007’s The Golden Compass (pictured)), thriller The Company You Keep, and FX’s Justified
Sam Elliott, 77, was born on August 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in Portland, Oregon, after moving there with his family at a young age.
He attended college at the University of Oregon for two years before dropping out. He then enrolled at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, where he completed a two-year program.
After school, he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked in construction while studying acting.
In 1969, he landed his first role in the show Judd for the Defense. He then starred in the hit series Mission Impossible, I Will Fight No More Forever, Once Upon an Eagle, the 1976 movie Lifeguard, western The Shadow Riders, Mask opposite Cher, TV movie Gone to Texas, action movie Road House, and historical drama Gettysburg.
After appearing in The Big Lebowski as The Stranger, he went on to star in superhero movie Hulk, Thank You for Smoking, Ghost Rider (alongside Nicholas Cage), 2007’s The Golden Compass (which also starred Nicole Kidman, Christopher Lee, and Daniel Craig), thriller The Company You Keep, and FX’s Justified.
He married actress Katherine Ross in 1984, after they both starred in The Legacy. He is pictured with Katherine and their daughter in 2017
They share one daughter, named Cleo Rose, who was born in 1984, and she now works as a musician. The family is pictured together in 2007
Most recently, he appeared in the Netflix series The Ranch opposite Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson, The Hero, A Star Is Born with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, and the Paramount+ miniseries 1883, as well as lent his voice to Disney-Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur.
He also starred in commercials for brands like Dodge, IBM, Coors beer, and Ram Trucks. He narrated the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers team introductions to Super Bowl XLV, and was featured in President Joe Biden’s ad campaign.
He married actress Katherine Ross in 1984, after they both starred in The Legacy.
They share one daughter, named Cleo Rose, who was born in 1984, and she now works as a musician.
However Elliott has recently courted a great deal of controversy away from the cameras, after he made ‘homophobic’ comments about Oscar-winning movie The Power of the Dog.
Elliott – who is known for his frequent appearances in Westerns – told a podcast in February that the cowboys in the film were like Chippendale dancers, and said he was disturbed by Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of a closeted gay ranch hand.
‘That’s what all these f***ing cowboys in that movie looked like,’ he said on Marc Maron’s on the WTF podcast.
‘They’re running around in chaps and no shirts. There’s all these allusions of homosexuality throughout the f***ing movie.
‘Where’s the western in this Western?’
His comments sparked outrage among critics – prompting the actor to ultimately issue a public apology for his remarks, branding them clumsy and offensive.
‘In trying to tell the guy, the WTF guy, how I felt about the film I wasn’t very articulate about it,’ he told a panel discussion at the Deadline Contenders festival, showcasing the television award season contenders.
‘I didn’t articulate it very well. I said some things that hurt people. And I feel terrible about that,’ Elliott continued.
‘The gay community has been incredible to me my entire career – and I mean my entire career, from before I got started in this town.
‘Friends on every level, in every job description. Up until today, with my agent, my dear friend and my agent of a number of years.
‘And I’m sorry I hurt any of those friends. And someone that I loved. And anyone else, by the words that I used.’
Marty, The Dude’s Landlord, played by Jack Kehler
Jack Kehler played The Dude’s Landlord’s Marty in The Big Lebowski. He is pictured in the 1998 movie (left) and in 2015 (right)
Kehler was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1946. He made his acting debut in the sci-fi film Strange Invaders. He is pictured in The Big Lebowski
After The Big Lebowski, he most famously appeared in Leathal Weapon 4 alongside Richard Riehle, Forces of Nature, True Crime with Michael Keaton, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, the 2005 flick Fever Pitch, and Big Trouble (pictured)
He passed away at age 75 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Saturday from complications amid a battle with leukemia, his son, Eddie Kehler, confirmed to Deadline. He is pictured in 2015
Kehler was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 22, 1946. He made his acting debut in the sci-fi film Strange Invaders.
Before starring as Marty in The Big Lebowski, he acted in the comedy Why Me?, 1990 movie I Love You to Death, the 1995 made-for-television version of The Invaders, Point Break, The Last Boy Scout, ABC series McKenna, Grand Canyon, Waterworld, , 1986 miniseries Fresno, and One Eight Seven.
Afterwards, he most famously appeared in Leathal Weapon 4 alongside Richard Riehle, Forces of Nature, True Crime with Michael Keaton, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and the 2005 flick Fever Pitch.
He was also a regular in the second season of the show Murder One. He also appeared in the Amazon series The Man in the High Castle and I’m with Her in 2003 and 2004.
Kehler is survived by wife Shawna Casey, son Eddie, daughter-in-law Mari-Anne and grandson Liam.
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